For Real- We're moving!

We are moving to Chicago! Quick history. Last June the law firm, that hired Chris after Graduation, informed us that they wouldn't be able to pick him up in Jan 2011, like we were expecting. As everyone knows the economy stinks! We were extremely disappointed and discouraged. So since that time, Chris had been looking for work in different places and a week before Christmas an awesome Law firm in Chicago made him an offer. This was an amazing Christmas blessing for our family. We are very sad to leave family and beautiful Washington behind, but we are excited to have new adventures in the Land of Lincoln. We are flying out in 1 week. So until then I am going crazy weeding, cleaning, packing, recycling, goodwilling, and craigslisting our stuff. We feel very blessed to have this job opportunity for our family.

Away in a Manger

Our church put on a Creche that was open to the community and it was absolutely amazing! Nativity scenes from around the world were displayed beautifully around the church building while musicians performed live music. My sweetheart was asked to play the piano for part of that time.

I brought this nativity to put on display. My wonderful mom designed and painted this Nativity Puzzle.

They had a room set up for children. The walls and ceiling were covered with parachutes and the room was lit with faux candles making the atmosphere very peaceful. Inside the children's room there were different nativities that children were allowed to touch. They also had different coloring activities-which Grant and Maddie loved!

There were hundreds of different nativities on display. I took a few pictures of the more unique ones.

Nativity made from a coconut.

Looks like it comes from India

This one was made in Kenya.

Made in Nepal


This was a beautiful event and I enjoyed seeing the nativities from all over the world. We are all God's children and He loves us so much that He sent His son. I am grateful for the birth of my Savior Jesus Christ. Merry Christmas!

little steps for our little cuties

Chris is wonderful! He loves to use his woodworking skills and I love to ask him to build stuff for me :) So Chris built Maddie and Grant their own step stools. I am also happy about this because my back gets sore from lifting kids all day.

Below is Madelynn's step stool. I love the bright colors and it will help out a ton in the kitchen. (Sorry about the dark picture) I think it suits our little sweet pea!

Next up- Grant's step stool. I coordinated the colors on his stool to match our jungle themed shower curtain. This one will go in the bathroom.

My mom is an amazing tole painter and has published 9 or 10 "How To" books. So I used some of her designs on Grant's stool (hippo, bird, and Sun).

Tuesday Toddler Conversations

1.) Fact to Grant: Sharks eat bears.

Grant: Hey Mom, do sharks eat bears?

Me: Let's think about this. Where do Sharks live? Where do Bears live?

Grant: Oh, Sharks live in the water and bears live in their caves.

Me: So, they don't live very close to each other so sharks probably don't eat bears.

Grant: But Mom, Sharks eat bears when bears go swimming.

Me: Oh really?

Grant: Yeah sharks eat bears because the sharks will think the bear's bottom is potatoes and the shark will think the bear's tail is a carrot. So sharks do eat bears.


2.) Grant: Hey Dad can we play in Target tonight.

Chris: Maybe for a little bit.

Grant: How about a big bit?